Christina Logothetis, author of the Style of Politics and Confident Persona image consultant, will provide personalized shopping advice for guests. Two lucky guests will win door prizes from Penhaligon's and Confident Persona.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Event: Confident Persona at Sterling & Burke Ltd
Christina Logothetis, author of the Style of Politics and Confident Persona image consultant, will provide personalized shopping advice for guests. Two lucky guests will win door prizes from Penhaligon's and Confident Persona.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Can Pingree match Snowe's style?
Yesterday's surprise news that Sen. Olympia Snowe will not seek reelection this fall led to all manner of speculations and predictions, including the idea that Rep. Chellie Pingree might run for her seat. During her term, Senator Snowe has developed a distinct and effective personal style. What can we recommend for Ms. Pingree with a newly heightened profile?
We've seen Rep. Pingree struggle with prints in the past, and that seems to continue recently. Consider this black and white print: http://youtu.be/8B6EJX86iXU
Unlike Senator Snowe, who looks best in sharply contrasting colors, Rep. Pingree would be better served by a print with less contrast and softer edges. Maybe something like this:
What she does seem to have down is her best color palette.
Mint green: http://youtu.be/7ZwPYiX43AA
She would be well served by some jewelry or accessories here.
Sky blue: http://youtu.be/-_I_DpXaiD8
Now we have an accessory, but the scarf is a bit too big and full. The tone-on-tone colors really work though.
Powder blue: http://youtu.be/5CUEBRURi7w
And here we have some jewelry. Just right!
Any candidate finds a need for a wardrobe upgrade when the prominence of their office increases. It's a change that can be handled gracefully or not. Whether she runs for Senate or not, it looks like Rep. Pingree is on the right track.
We've seen Rep. Pingree struggle with prints in the past, and that seems to continue recently. Consider this black and white print: http://youtu.be/8B6EJX86iXU
Unlike Senator Snowe, who looks best in sharply contrasting colors, Rep. Pingree would be better served by a print with less contrast and softer edges. Maybe something like this:
What she does seem to have down is her best color palette.
Mint green: http://youtu.be/7ZwPYiX43AA
She would be well served by some jewelry or accessories here.
Sky blue: http://youtu.be/-_I_DpXaiD8
Now we have an accessory, but the scarf is a bit too big and full. The tone-on-tone colors really work though.
Powder blue: http://youtu.be/5CUEBRURi7w
And here we have some jewelry. Just right!
Any candidate finds a need for a wardrobe upgrade when the prominence of their office increases. It's a change that can be handled gracefully or not. Whether she runs for Senate or not, it looks like Rep. Pingree is on the right track.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Know your audience
Lisa Murkowski traveled back to her home state to discuss Air Force base relocation with her constituents. She wore a white sweater and black pants: http://youtu.be/OOVbyip58y0
Back in Washington, this sweater/turtleneck/jeans/clogs combination would be awfully rustic. But in Fairbanks, Alaska? It's spot on. She looks neat, clean, put together, and most of all she looks like she belongs there. She even took advantage wearing multiple layers to get one of her good colors (light blue) up near her face with her turtleneck.
Back in Washington, this sweater/turtleneck/jeans/clogs combination would be awfully rustic. But in Fairbanks, Alaska? It's spot on. She looks neat, clean, put together, and most of all she looks like she belongs there. She even took advantage wearing multiple layers to get one of her good colors (light blue) up near her face with her turtleneck.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Dangling attention
Susan Rice was on PBS last week to discuss UN Security Council actions against Syria. She wore a beaded necklace and long, dangling earrings: http://youtu.be/VOMyLg_SL0k
You remember the last time we talked about long earrings, don't you? They can be endlessly distracting, as they are in this case. Part of the problem is that they are so long, they move even when she is barely moving her head at all. They also catch the studio lights, which draws even more attention to them.
The great thing about earrings is that they are easy and fast to put on or take off as needed. In that last minute check before going on camera, I would recommend taking these off.
You remember the last time we talked about long earrings, don't you? They can be endlessly distracting, as they are in this case. Part of the problem is that they are so long, they move even when she is barely moving her head at all. They also catch the studio lights, which draws even more attention to them.
The great thing about earrings is that they are easy and fast to put on or take off as needed. In that last minute check before going on camera, I would recommend taking these off.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Give Style: My Preppy Valentine
Valentine's Day conjures up all kinds of traditional gift ideas: restaurant meals, chocolates, lingerie, flowers, sports tickets and even plane tickets.
But consider perhaps something that will last beyond the day. What political ladies and gentlemen like best is something that fits into everyday life (or almost everyday). Consider perhaps a trip to Sterling & Burke in Georgetown for fine leathergoods and fragrances. The service is impeccable and many of the products can be customized.
For the gentlemen:
1. J.W. Hulme Bi-fold Wallet. Truly an everyday item, ensuring he'll think of you all the time. And it's crafted from American heritage leather.
2. Filson passport wallet. If you are going for plane tickets, present them in style. I mean really, a loose printout of your e-ticket confirmation is not exactly romantic.
3. Daines and Hathaway cufflink box. If he only has one or two pairs, this could be a nice way to encourage an expanded wardrobe.
4. Swaine Adeney travel bar. Indulgent? Sure. But it's hard to go wrong with indulgence that has this much class.
For the ladies:
1. Halcyon Days bangle bracelets. Jewelry for when you're not ready for JEWELRY yet. These are hand enameled in England.
2. Daines and Hathaway heart shaped box. When you are ready for JEWELRY, it deserves to be presented in suede.
3. Penhaligon's eau de parfum. There's something just a little undignified about celebrity scents, no matter how good they smell. This beautiful line is the perfect alternative.
4. Sterling & Burke Beatrice bag. These bags are custom made for Sterling & Burke by Swaine Adeney Briggs in England and come in five colors. The quality must be seen to be believed. This is truly a lifetime bag.
But consider perhaps something that will last beyond the day. What political ladies and gentlemen like best is something that fits into everyday life (or almost everyday). Consider perhaps a trip to Sterling & Burke in Georgetown for fine leathergoods and fragrances. The service is impeccable and many of the products can be customized.
For the gentlemen:
1. J.W. Hulme Bi-fold Wallet. Truly an everyday item, ensuring he'll think of you all the time. And it's crafted from American heritage leather.
2. Filson passport wallet. If you are going for plane tickets, present them in style. I mean really, a loose printout of your e-ticket confirmation is not exactly romantic.
3. Daines and Hathaway cufflink box. If he only has one or two pairs, this could be a nice way to encourage an expanded wardrobe.
4. Swaine Adeney travel bar. Indulgent? Sure. But it's hard to go wrong with indulgence that has this much class.
For the ladies:
My Preppy Valentine, for ladies by styleofpolitics featuring handbags
1. Halcyon Days bangle bracelets. Jewelry for when you're not ready for JEWELRY yet. These are hand enameled in England.
2. Daines and Hathaway heart shaped box. When you are ready for JEWELRY, it deserves to be presented in suede.
3. Penhaligon's eau de parfum. There's something just a little undignified about celebrity scents, no matter how good they smell. This beautiful line is the perfect alternative.
4. Sterling & Burke Beatrice bag. These bags are custom made for Sterling & Burke by Swaine Adeney Briggs in England and come in five colors. The quality must be seen to be believed. This is truly a lifetime bag.
Friday, January 27, 2012
The image of fur
Senator Boxer was on MSNBC this week discussing America's dissatisfaction with Washington. She wore a gray jacket with a fur collar:
It's not completely clear to me if this is real or faux fur (my guess is faux just from the texture) but the effect is the same either way in this case. As one communications expert said to me: "It just looks like she's wearing a fur coat--not exactly the right visual for a party trying to talk about how Washington works only for the wealthy."
Fur trim is a tough look to pull off in the daytime, no matter what message you're trying to convey. But this is a particularly unfortunate juxtaposition. You don't have to be trying to make a political statement with what you wear to make one when you get dressed. In this instance, the statement doesn't even have anything to do with the politics of wearing fur itself and whether that's ethical. It goes more to the iconography of fur. It's what the fur implies about the wearer. Namely, wealth and privilege.
This is not a new issue for Washington, so there's no excuse not to make a conscious decision when choosing those garments.
It's not completely clear to me if this is real or faux fur (my guess is faux just from the texture) but the effect is the same either way in this case. As one communications expert said to me: "It just looks like she's wearing a fur coat--not exactly the right visual for a party trying to talk about how Washington works only for the wealthy."
Fur trim is a tough look to pull off in the daytime, no matter what message you're trying to convey. But this is a particularly unfortunate juxtaposition. You don't have to be trying to make a political statement with what you wear to make one when you get dressed. In this instance, the statement doesn't even have anything to do with the politics of wearing fur itself and whether that's ethical. It goes more to the iconography of fur. It's what the fur implies about the wearer. Namely, wealth and privilege.
This is not a new issue for Washington, so there's no excuse not to make a conscious decision when choosing those garments.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Giffords resigns in style
Gabrielle Giffords released a video announcement of her resignation from Congress this week. She chose the classic power color: red.
This video also shows a montage of images of Rep. Giffords from before and after the shooting. If you ever wanted to see an example of how the colors you wear should change when you change your hair color, this is a very good one. From whites and pastels as a blond, to reds and saturated colors as a brunette, clearly she's had some good advice.
This video also shows a montage of images of Rep. Giffords from before and after the shooting. If you ever wanted to see an example of how the colors you wear should change when you change your hair color, this is a very good one. From whites and pastels as a blond, to reds and saturated colors as a brunette, clearly she's had some good advice.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Will Bachmann turn back the clock?
We've been following Michele Bachmann's Presidential campaign wardrobe since the very beginning. Hasn't it been interesting? And now here at the end, it seems to have come full circle.
On the night of the Iowa caucus, when she was still a candidate, she wore navy blue:
Dark color, almost no jewelry, small flag pin. Her outfit is simple, conservative, and, except for the jacket neckline, devoid of detail. It's everything we've come to expect from her on the campaign trail.
But when she announced the next day that she was leaving the race, her look had already begun to change:
She's still in a dark color palette, but her jacket has a pattern and beaded trim. She's wearing larger earrings. Her eye makeup is considerably bolder, and I'm pretty sure those are false lashes. She hasn't gone all the way back to the pink twinset, but this is definitely a return to more overt femininity.
We'll continue to watch as Bachmann returns to Congress no longer a presidential candidate but with an elevated national profile. I'm not sure if we'll ever get back to her "date night with Fox" look, but I do expect we'll start to see more color soon. This Congresswoman Bachmann will look both familiar and new.
See also the Reliable Source in the Post today and the slideshow that goes with it!
On the night of the Iowa caucus, when she was still a candidate, she wore navy blue:
Dark color, almost no jewelry, small flag pin. Her outfit is simple, conservative, and, except for the jacket neckline, devoid of detail. It's everything we've come to expect from her on the campaign trail.
But when she announced the next day that she was leaving the race, her look had already begun to change:
She's still in a dark color palette, but her jacket has a pattern and beaded trim. She's wearing larger earrings. Her eye makeup is considerably bolder, and I'm pretty sure those are false lashes. She hasn't gone all the way back to the pink twinset, but this is definitely a return to more overt femininity.
We'll continue to watch as Bachmann returns to Congress no longer a presidential candidate but with an elevated national profile. I'm not sure if we'll ever get back to her "date night with Fox" look, but I do expect we'll start to see more color soon. This Congresswoman Bachmann will look both familiar and new.
See also the Reliable Source in the Post today and the slideshow that goes with it!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Senatorial New Year's Eve
I hope you have some satisfying plans for New Year's Eve, whether you're going out, visiting friends, or curling up with cocoa and a movie. We don't often get to hear about what Congress does for New Year's Eve when they're all back in their districts, but I thought it would be fun to imagine what a Senator might wear to a New Year's Eve party. And who better to imagine than Kirsten Gillibrand, a senator from the place much of America watches on TV that night.
We know from past experience that Senator Gillibrand sticks to her customary palette of mostly black, even for a night out. But since we're imagining, let's imagine we can get her to go a little further around the color wheel:
Everyone likes a little sparkle on New Year's Eve, and this warm creamy blazer is both festive and structured. The forest green blouse keeps her face from looking washed out, and the bow at the neck eliminates the need for a necklace. Instead, we've paired rose gold stud earrings. The senator gets to keep her black in the form of a pencil skirt and black suede pumps to balance out all that sparkle.
Professional and dignified while still festive. You can do it too!
We know from past experience that Senator Gillibrand sticks to her customary palette of mostly black, even for a night out. But since we're imagining, let's imagine we can get her to go a little further around the color wheel:
Everyone likes a little sparkle on New Year's Eve, and this warm creamy blazer is both festive and structured. The forest green blouse keeps her face from looking washed out, and the bow at the neck eliminates the need for a necklace. Instead, we've paired rose gold stud earrings. The senator gets to keep her black in the form of a pencil skirt and black suede pumps to balance out all that sparkle.
Professional and dignified while still festive. You can do it too!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Give Style: 5 ideas for political gentlemen
And now some ideas for the men on your list. Because I can't resist, we'll have 4 ideas in pictures, and one by video.
1. US Mail tote. This reproduction of an American classic makes a great laundry bag, and there's little chance of confusing it with another one in the laundry room. $24
2. Bright socks from Richer Poorer. Your feet are a much more creative (and subtle!) place to show some personality with a suit than a knot under your chin. $12
3. Monocle magazine. With a unique blend of politics, style and design coverage, this thick periodical always brings a unique, forthright perspective. $15.65/issue
4. Lucky Tiger grooming products. These classics from heritage American purveyor Caswell Massey not only look cool, they feel cool too. $71.50
5. Kings County Beef Jerky. I know what you're thinking. Jerky? Is this a gift, or provisions for the car ride home? But trust me. This is the best, most flavorful jerky you'll ever have. $26.95 for 3
Skeptical? Watch this:
And don't forget: The Style of Politics can do your shopping for you! You give us your shopping list (my religious aunt, my teenage cousin, my 20-something assistant) and your price range, and we deliver to you links to a hand-selected gift for each one. It's just $80 for up to 12 gifts.
For more details, email us or call 908-642-2745.
1. US Mail tote. This reproduction of an American classic makes a great laundry bag, and there's little chance of confusing it with another one in the laundry room. $24
2. Bright socks from Richer Poorer. Your feet are a much more creative (and subtle!) place to show some personality with a suit than a knot under your chin. $12
3. Monocle magazine. With a unique blend of politics, style and design coverage, this thick periodical always brings a unique, forthright perspective. $15.65/issue
4. Lucky Tiger grooming products. These classics from heritage American purveyor Caswell Massey not only look cool, they feel cool too. $71.50
5. Kings County Beef Jerky. I know what you're thinking. Jerky? Is this a gift, or provisions for the car ride home? But trust me. This is the best, most flavorful jerky you'll ever have. $26.95 for 3
Skeptical? Watch this:
And don't forget: The Style of Politics can do your shopping for you! You give us your shopping list (my religious aunt, my teenage cousin, my 20-something assistant) and your price range, and we deliver to you links to a hand-selected gift for each one. It's just $80 for up to 12 gifts.
For more details, email us or call 908-642-2745.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Give Style: 5 ideas for political ladies
Tis the season for gift guides! Since I believe you can never have quite enough "guidance" until you've found just the right thing, we'll take a brief detour from our usual format. Today, the ladies. Tomorrow, the gentlemen.
1. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Yes, my evangelizing for lipstick extends to the gift guide! This shade is almost universally flattering, while the formulation is sheer enough to apply even with a shiny surface as a makeshift mirror ten seconds before camera. $14.50
2. I would have been a Suffragette t-shirt. This is cheeky enough to wear to play touch football, but sincere enough to appear in a campaign slideshow. Perfect combination. $24
3. The Ace flag tote. This one of a kind tote is made from a recycled American flag with straps made from an old leather jacket. It's green, durable, and unique. $225
4. The Gentlewoman
magazine subscription. This is one of the coolest titles I've come across in a long time. Imagine that Vogue was rewritten by Arianna Huffington, Tina Fey, and Ann Patchett. $43.54/year
5. Lollihop subscription. An assortment of healthy organic snacks delivered monthly to your home or office. Good food means good decisions. $18.95/month
Still don't see what you're looking for? Let the Style of Politics do your shopping for you! New this year: you give us your shopping list (my 40-ish bachelor cousin, my neighbor who picks up my mail, 3 nephews ages 2/5/7) and your price range, and we deliver to you links to a hand-selected gift for each one. It's just $80 for up to 12 gifts.
For more details, email us or call 908-642-2745.
1. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Yes, my evangelizing for lipstick extends to the gift guide! This shade is almost universally flattering, while the formulation is sheer enough to apply even with a shiny surface as a makeshift mirror ten seconds before camera. $14.50
2. I would have been a Suffragette t-shirt. This is cheeky enough to wear to play touch football, but sincere enough to appear in a campaign slideshow. Perfect combination. $24
3. The Ace flag tote. This one of a kind tote is made from a recycled American flag with straps made from an old leather jacket. It's green, durable, and unique. $225
4. The Gentlewoman
magazine subscription. This is one of the coolest titles I've come across in a long time. Imagine that Vogue was rewritten by Arianna Huffington, Tina Fey, and Ann Patchett. $43.54/year5. Lollihop subscription. An assortment of healthy organic snacks delivered monthly to your home or office. Good food means good decisions. $18.95/month
Still don't see what you're looking for? Let the Style of Politics do your shopping for you! New this year: you give us your shopping list (my 40-ish bachelor cousin, my neighbor who picks up my mail, 3 nephews ages 2/5/7) and your price range, and we deliver to you links to a hand-selected gift for each one. It's just $80 for up to 12 gifts.
For more details, email us or call 908-642-2745.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Haley shines on
Gov. Nikki Haley visited a Bridgestone tire plant last week. She wore black and white: (http://youtu.be/gSguCfO4HF8)
This much shine is very difficult to pull off in the daytime, and I don't think it works here.
She made a valiant attempt at dressing down the blazer with a plain black top and her customary cross, but all we see is the sheen on the blazer. In fact, the sharp color contrast between the black and the white makes the jacket stand out even more than it otherwise would. If you're incorporating a shiny or sparkly piece into your outfit, a tone-on-tone color palette will do a better job of balancing it out.
This much shine is very difficult to pull off in the daytime, and I don't think it works here.
She made a valiant attempt at dressing down the blazer with a plain black top and her customary cross, but all we see is the sheen on the blazer. In fact, the sharp color contrast between the black and the white makes the jacket stand out even more than it otherwise would. If you're incorporating a shiny or sparkly piece into your outfit, a tone-on-tone color palette will do a better job of balancing it out.
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